The Australian bold move to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a growing group of countries are moving toward comparable restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our kids' innocence". Legislation may be enacted soon.
- Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban is "an tools on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to approve a law increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in the Netherlands has advised guardians to block their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory statement demanding a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the move does not enact binding law.
"A strong age barrier is a solid foundation," commented the MEP supporting the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "based on strong evidence".
Previously, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government vowed to further research the topic.
Charities have raised warnings. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a girl who died after encountering disturbing online content argues that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for children," stated a prominent peer.
America: A Decentralized Landscape
Stateside, legislation is largely happening at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.
- Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a law banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a law capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further use needing parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures demanding guardian approval for under-16s to create social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from some individuals to follow this lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Views
Apart from these regions, additional countries are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.
However, international organizations take a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.
As this global discussion continues, the steps of Australia and others indicate that policymakers globally are less and less willing to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.
